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This is FANTASTIC. First, the recording quality is superb. Yeah, it's in mono, but the recording is so well done you barely notice, and you only notice when you're right between the two speakers and hear the music emanating from a single point.
Second, the music itself is excellent. Unlike other field recordings from the earlier part of the 20th century, these folks knew what modern recording equipment did but they still have retained a really authentic sound largely untouched by modern or "world beat" influences. And the specific performances on here all sound...urgent, almost, as if the performers somehow felt the importance of what they were doing.
Finally, I don't know how many vinyl records the original had, but there are many long-form performances here, not shortened and dumbed-down in any way. Yeah, like a lot of North African music there's a very repetitive element, but it does actually evolve albeit slowly. But this makes it better insofar as the music has not yet adapted to fitting into a recorded medium: This was music that served a community and might easily go all night.
No wait, when I said "finally" I lied: The 4 CDs come in an excellent box and the book/let has essays and extensive notes. THIS is what you want in a Smithsonian box.
Don't screw around: If you were thinking about getting this then stop thinking right now!
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Lorenzo M.
Se vi piacciono gli anni '50 in Marocco
Reviewed in Italy on May 10, 2016